Advertisement

It seemed like a crazy idea at first. Taking an old one-season science fiction show from the 70s and re-imagining it for a modern day audience, while working in themes of current day politics and military struggle. Stepping outside the approved world of SF and focusing on characters and emotional responses rather than space ships and aliens was the next step. And, as a surprise to everyone, the hit series Battlestar Galactica was (re)born.

Arguably one of the best shows on television in recent years, David Eick and Ronald D. Moore's Battlestar Galactica has grown in popularity since its creation and kept fans rapt with wonder through its four year run. Battlestar Galactica: Downloaded is an official prestige full-color overview of the first two seasons of the show and the elements that went into creating it.

David Bassom of Titan definitely knows his BSG facts, having been editor of the series' official magazine. And since this is a Titan publication, it makes such a difference that all the pictures are professionally licensed and of such great quality. Each episode of the first two seasons is briefly summarized, followed by a run-down of what went into making it and some commentaries by stars and producers.

There a quotes peppered throughout the descriptions and little side anecdotes, which, unfortunately due to the gray color behind them, are not that easy to read. Mixed within the episode guide are interviews with the main stars about the characters they play as well as overviews of production design, costuming, music and special effects.

Overall, Battlestar Galactica: Downloaded is a great library piece for fans of the series. It does help to have an understanding of the show and to have seen the two seasons covered, but Bassom tries to keep spoilers to a minimum. This piece certainly whets the appetite for a companion volume covering the last two seasons, which, hopefully, is on the way.

Science fiction enthusiast David Maddox has been many things, including Star Trek characters and the Riddler in a Batman stunt show. He holds a degree in Cinema from San Francisco State University, and has written several articles for various SF sites as well as the Star Wars Insider and the Star Trek Communicator. He spends his time working on screenplays and stories while acting on stage, screen and television. He can sometimes be seen giving tours at Universal Studios Hollywood and occasionally playing Norman Bates. Really.